As long as your shots are broadside you will be o.k. The 243 develops around 3000 fps with this bullet, so close shots need to definitely in the heart/lung area. Don't shoot a deer in the shoulder at close range. Once your out past 100 yards the bullet has shed enough velocity that it will maintain its integrity better and penetrate deeper. I prefer the Federal Premium 100 gr. Nosler Partition load the the load you are using for deer.